2022 Carla Ruka

2022 – The Ceramics Association of New Zealand presents a national tour of workshops and artist talks with Carla Ruka.

Join one of Aotearoa’s leading ceramic artists, Carla Ruka, as she visits five regions round the country to give a series of workshops and talks that focus on large scale sculpture and her practice as an indigenous artist and as a member of the Māori clay collective Ngā Kaihanga Uku. Ruka is known for her large-scale hand-built forms made using a unique coiling technique that she has developed during her 22-year practice. Her series Hineukurangi and Māori Angels Series are among her most recognised works. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to receive hands on instruction from Carla Ruka during her visit as part of the Ceramics NZ Touring Potter Programme, supported by Creative NZ. 

Please register below as spaces are limited.

Carla Ruka

Representing Aotearoa for Indigenous ceramics Carla is a formidable artist in her field. As an active member of Ngā Kaihanga Uku – Māori Clay Artist Collective and committee member of Auckland Studio Potters, Carla has been a practicing ceramic artist since 2000, completing her studies in Māori Art and Design focused on ceramics from a Māori and Wahine Toa perspective. Ruka has participated in national and international projects undertaken by NgāKaihanga Uku and has fostered connections within the ceramics community through her work at Driving Creek Pottery and as the Director of Auckland Studio Potters. In 2020 she curated the exhibition “NUku” at Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery.

“My work is a reflection of my spirit, I can see a piece I made 10 years ago and still remember exactly how I felt when I made it”

Tribal Affiliations: Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Whātua

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KEY DATES

• April 23, 30 May 7 Beginner Workshop, Hihiaua Cultural Centre, Whangarei
• April 24, May 1, 8 Int/Advanced Workshop, ĀKAU Studio, Kaikohe
• April 26, 3, May 10 Intermediate Workshop, Reyburn House, Whangarei
• May 7 Artist Talk, Hihiaua Cultural Centre, Whangarei
• May 14, 21, 28 Beginner Workshop, Craft Potters Nelson
• May 29 Artist Talk, The Suter Art Gallery, Nelson
• June 4, 11, 18 Beginner workshop, Gisborne Pottery Group 
• June 5, 12, 19 Intermediate workshop, Gisborne Pottery Group
• June 10, Artist Talk, Tairawhiti Museum, Gisborne
• June 26, July 3, 10 Mixed level workshop, Shoal Bay Pottery Studio, Aotea, Great Barrier Island
• July 11 Artist Talk, Kawa Marae, Aotea Great Barrier Island
• September 4, 11, 18 Beginner Workshop, New Plymouth Potters
• September 5, 12, 19 Beginner Workshop, New Plymouth Potters
• September 17 Artist Talk, Govett Brewster Art Gallery, New Plymouth
• October 19, 26, November 2 Mixed level workshop, Auckland Studio Potters and Ngāti Whātua *Full, contact touringpotter@ceramics.org for waiting list.
• October 29, November 5, 12 Intermediate Workshop, Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery *Full, contact touringpotter@ceramics.org for waiting list.

COIL AOTEAROA PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION

Coil Aotearoa Workshops are focused on learning the techniques of coiling for large scale sculpture. Participants will learn how to hand build a clay sculpture to a height of 50cm–2 metres (depending on workshop level as listed below). Workshops will take place in three consecutive 5-hour sessions with 1 week drying time between sessions (eg. each Sat 10am–3pm for 3 weeks). Beginner/intermediate workshops allow for 12 students max. Master workshops 14 students max.

Materials needed:
Base board/bat (the size you would need for the base of your intended sculpture) Heavy paddle, wire cutter, needle tool, toothbrush, dog or hair comb, wood kidney, vinegar, black plastic bag, towel, apron, banding wheel, wood bat, one newspaper, workbook, pencil, wood tool, any items that you may want to use the texture from.

WORKSHOP LEVELS

Beginner

For artists who are new to/have worked with clay and have no or little experience with hand building. Participants will make sculpture 50cm–1 metre high.

Starting with developing your concepts by drawing on your inspiration, culture, passion and history, Carla will work alongside you to help bring your ideas to life. Teaching you through a step-by-step process, Carla will teach you her unique coiling technique. You will discover tips and hints in form manipulation and structure changes and explore surfaces and texture design. This class does not include instruction on firing or glazing.

Intermediate

For artists who have worked with clay for three years or more and have some experience with hand building using the coiling technique. Participants will make large scale sculpture 1–2 metre high.

Starting with developing your concepts for sculpture, drawing on your inspiration, culture, passion and history, Carla will work alongside you to help bring your ideas to life. Assisting you with your hand building technique, Carla uses her unique coiling style that you will be able to learn thoroughly and merge to your own style of creating. You will discover tips and hints in form manipulation and structure changes and explore surfaces, texture design and finishing detailing. This class does not include instruction on firing or glazing.

Advanced

For practicing artists who have qualifications in Ceramics or an established record of familiarity in ceramics and sculpture.

Participants will make large scale sculpture. Your vision is the height limit. Focusing on your conceptual vision, Carla will assist you in areas that you wish to troubleshoot. Take control of your form, discover new techniques and hints to help you gain the upper edge on your creations. This class does not include instruction on firing or glazing.

Please make you’re familiar with our COVID Protection Framework for attending these events »

REGISTRATIONS HAVE CLOSED

$250 Registration fee for one workshop series (three 5-hour sessions). Fee includes the required Feeneys range Raku Red clay which will be available at the venue.

If you feel this programme is inaccessible to you due to cost, please contact the coordinator at touringpotter@ceramicsnz.org.

PAYMENT

Bank transfer to: Ceramics NZ, 02-0520-0215611-000. Please reference your name and venue. Note that cheques can no longer be submitted for payment.